Whittier Cruise Port Guide

The premier activity from Whittier is a glacier and wildlife cruise into Prince William Sound. Tours, such as the 26 Glacier Cruise, take passengers on a half-day journey to see massive tidewater glaciers calving directly into the sea and to spot wildlife like sea otters, seals, and whales.

For a more active adventure, sea kayaking or taking a jet ski tour among the ice floes provides an intimate and thrilling perspective of the sound's icy waters and rugged coastline.

Hikers can enjoy the Portage Pass Trail, a moderately challenging trek that rewards with breathtaking views of Portage Glacier and Passage Canal. The trail begins just outside of town and is a great way to spend a few hours immersed in the Alaskan landscape.

Many cruise passengers use Whittier as a starting point for exploring further inland. Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is approximately 60 miles away and can be reached in about 90 minutes by road via the tunnel or by the scenic Alaska Railroad.

Just on the other side of the tunnel lies Portage Valley, home to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Lake. This is an excellent stop to learn about the region's glaciers and ecosystems.

The charming resort town of Girdwood, located about an hour's drive away, offers hiking, dining, and the popular Alyeska Resort aerial tram for panoramic mountain views.

The cruise ship dock in Whittier is located right in the heart of this incredibly compact town. All of the town's services, including shops, tour operator offices, and restaurants, are within a very short and easy walking distance from where your ship will berth.

No shuttles or transportation are needed to explore the immediate town area. The port itself is adjacent to the small boat harbor, which is the hub of local activity. Ships dock directly at the pier, so no tendering is required.

The local currency used in Whittier is the US Dollar (USD). Other currencies are not accepted, so it is best to have US currency on hand for any small purchases.

Credit cards are widely accepted by most tour operators, restaurants, and gift shops. ATMs are available but can be limited, so it is advisable to get cash before arriving if needed. Money exchange services are not readily available in town.

Whittier is an exceptionally safe town with a very small, close-knit community, and crime is not a concern for tourists. It is perfectly safe to explore the town on your own.

The primary safety considerations are related to the natural environment. When hiking, be aware of your surroundings, watch for wildlife like bears, and never hike alone. Weather can change rapidly, so dress in layers and be prepared for rain and cold, especially on the water. Always follow the safety briefings provided by your tour operators for activities like kayaking or glacier cruises.

The weather in Whittier during the summer cruise season (May through September) is typically cool and wet. It is one of the rainiest places in North America, so you should always be prepared for precipitation.

Daytime high temperatures generally range from the low 50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18°C). It can feel much colder on the water during glacier cruises due to wind and proximity to ice.

Packing waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm layers, a hat, and gloves is essential for staying comfortable. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is also highly recommended for exploring ashore.

Whittier is a tiny, pedestrian-friendly town, and everything within the town itself can be reached on foot from the cruise terminal. There are no taxis, ride-sharing services, or public bus systems operating locally.

To travel to destinations outside of town, such as Girdwood or Anchorage, you must use pre-booked transportation. Options include the historic Alaska Railroad, which offers a scenic journey, or motorcoach services like the Park Connection Motorcoach. These services often coordinate their schedules with cruise ship arrivals and departures, especially on turnaround days.

Shopping opportunities in Whittier are modest and centered around a small collection of gift shops located near the small boat harbor and cruise dock. These shops are easily walkable from your ship.

Look for authentic Alaskan-made goods, including native crafts, Ulu knives, jewelry, and local artwork. Smoked salmon is another popular purchase to take home. Souvenirs typically feature local wildlife, glaciers, and imagery of the unique Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (Whittier Tunnel).

Prices in these shops are fixed. There are no duty-free shopping options available in the port.